501(c)(3) Nonprofit · San Bernardino County
Empowering Underserved Youth in the Inland Empire
Operation New Hope provides career assistance, paid training, education, and life skills workshops to help young people build brighter futures in San Bernardino County.
4,046
students completed our Career Pathway Program
892
high school diplomas earned
83%
entered employment or higher education
"We are mentors, advocates, and champions for youth success."
What We Offer
Our staff of 19 — small but mighty.
Career Assistance
Clothes, resume building, career skills, and paid work experience to prepare youth for the workforce.
Paid Training
Hands-on paid training programs that build real-world skills and confidence.
Education Support
Pathways to an accredited high school diploma and enrollment in higher education or technical schools.
Life Skills Workshops
Financial literacy, anger management, and probation help — the tools young people need to navigate life.
W.I.O.A Title II / CAL V.I.P / CAL Hire / P.S.N
Comprehensive workforce and opportunity programs tailored to San Bernardino County youth.
Led by Passion, Driven by Purpose
Russell Degnan is a passionate change maker who has followed in the footsteps of his father (Bill Degnan), the founder of Operation New Hope. Beginning his career in 1996 as a group counselor, he assumed the Executive Director role in 2009 with a goal to elevate ONH into a thriving key-stakeholder — leading a successful collaboration to create two Youth Opportunity Centers providing meaningful life skill resources for disadvantaged youth in San Bernardino County.
Russell Degnan
CEO
Bring Our Cognitive Life Skills Curriculum to Your Organization
The same OJJDP-recognized, trauma-informed curriculum that has helped 10,000+ youth in the Inland Empire is now available for partner organizations. Our 3-day Train the Trainer certification equips your staff — probation officers, educators, counselors, case managers, and clergy — to deliver it with fidelity and confidence.
- Cognitive Behavioral Framework — proven CBT principles adapted for at-risk youth
- OJJDP CrimeSolutions rated — federally recognized evidence base
- Used by probation departments, school districts, and CBOs nationwide
- Workbooks available individually ($19.99) or at cohort rate ($5.99 for 25+)
40+
Years of curriculum development
Refined through direct service
10,000+
Youth served with this curriculum
Across California and nationwide
30+
Partner organizations certified
Probation, schools, CBOs, government
OJJDP
Federally recognized
CrimeSolutions rated program
Google Reviews
What the Community Says
Jay Perez
April 2026
"amazing people that work here lots of respect and love to these people 💯"
Marina Madrigal
October 2025
"If you are really serious about getting your life together than this is the place to be. Sky is the limit! The staff here cares about their students and won't stop into those students succeed!"
Marlin Thunderhawk trejo
August 2025
"Donated a bunch of my daughters stuff that literally she never used i was very glad I could donate it to this place showed up and there super friendly and appreciated 👍🏽"
Kari George
January 2025
"Very helpful with helping struggling teens. Coach Mario was very kind!"
Eugene Weems
September 2024
"A nonprofit that helps people. They do what they care to help anyone that come through their door."
John Doe
June 2022
"Nun but big luv over here. The staff here really look out for kids in need."
Our Community Partners
You cannot share our story without sharing our valuable Community Partners.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you're a young person seeking support, a donor, or a community partner — we'd love to connect.